As students began to navigate their classes virtually, music majors had to adjust to a new setting of ensemble groups, getting to know other parts of campus for their practices and perform in front of virtual audiences.
Vanessa Sielert, director of the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho, does not see it as a difficult issue but does think that COVID-19 and social distancing has brought in different circumstances.
At the beginning of the semester, Sielert sent out a detailed overview to music students of their semester plans, most of which were directed to vocalists and wind instrumentalists, and specific practice room regulations to be taken note of for the upcoming year.
“Students are not meeting in large groups like before, such as choirs and jazz ensembles,” Sielert said. “If there is a group of 12, they will meet in the ASUI Kibby Dome or a chemistry lab and work in small groups.”
With instruction of general protocols for musicians also mentioned in this statement, there were certain expectations for the upcoming school year in order to prepare for the Lionel Hampton School of Music, such as the purchase of masks for singers, virtual performances and increased sanitation in the music building.
“All doors to the practice rooms must remain closed and windows in practice rooms should remain open when possible,” Sielert said.
Most music majors have become familiarized with the rest of campus since the music buildings do not have good enough filters to create a safe environment during this pandemic. Due to this, they have adapted to rehearsing elsewhere on campus.
Emma Nixon, a student double majoring in music education and French horn, noticed it wasn’t hard to adapt to the new circumstances as a music major, but she does miss the larger group ensembles and performing for audiences in person.
“It’s hard to perform for a virtual audience because you can’t tell if the people who are watching your recitals or concerts are actually watching or if they are off doing something else,” Nixon said.
Because of COVID-19, many practice rooms in the music building are off limits or have certain time restrictions so they can be cleaned, making it harder for students to practice.
Destiny Angel-Hubble, a saxophone performance major with an emphasis in jazz studies, prefers to practice at home.
“There are about four practice rooms on the first floor and 13 on the second floor,” Angel-Hubble said. “However, because of COVID-19, I would rather play it safe and practice in my apartment.”
Although she’s adjusted to the new conditions brought on by the pandemic, Angel-Hubble misses the connection with other students she had in the past. It was what made her and her peers most excited about upcoming concerts and recitals. However, she finds that live-streamed performances can be rewarding as well.
“Having virtual concerts reminds people of the state we’re in,” Angel-Hubble said. “Despite that, it’s nice that we are able to do something like this and have the technology to continue our performances.”
With the spring semester coming to an end, Angel-Hubble and Nixon are preparing for recitals and looking forward to the future.
“I am a senior at the University of Idaho so I’m looking to head out of state for grad school,” Nixon said. “I would also like to sub a music class, to gain experience.”
Angel-Hubble, a junior, still has another year to go, but is excited for her upcoming recital.
“I will be performing May 13th at 7:30 p.m. with Livingston Johnson, a percussion major,” Angel-Hubble said. “It’ll be sent out through email, so make sure to check it out!”
All upcoming events have been posted on the Lionel Hampton of Music homepage.